Jakob von Gunten
composer: Benjamin Schweitzer
librettist: Benjamin Schweitzer
author of original text: Robert Walser
Kammeroper nach Robert Walser
Text vom Komponisten
Premiere: October 9, 2000 Meißen, Theater (D) Dresdner Tage der zeitgenössischen Musik 2000 · Conductor: Titus Engel · Staging: Andreas Baumann · Costumes: Susann Helen Fischer · Stage design: Michael Köhler (scenic performance)
Orchestra instrumentation: 1 (auch Picc. u. Altfl.) · 1 (auch Engl. Hr.) · 1 · Bassklar. · Tenorsax. · 1 (auch Kfg.) - 1 · 1 · 1 · 0 - P. S. (Crot. · Xyl. · Vibr. · Marimba · hg. Beck. · Tamt. · Tamb. · 3 Tomt. · 2 Bong. · 2 Cong. · Schlitztr. · kl. Tr. · gr. Tr. · Kast. · 3 Woodbl. · 3 Tempelbl. · 2 Paar Clav. · Shell-Chimes · Bambusrassel · Mar. · Guiro · Donnerblech) (3-4 Spieler) - Hfe. - Str. (1 · 1 · 1 · 1 · 1)
Cast of characters: Jakob von Gunten · hoher Bariton - Herr Benjamenta (der Vorsteher) · tiefer Bariton - Fräulein Lisa Benjamenta · Mezzosopran - Kraus · Bassbariton - Johann von Gunten · Tenor - ein Sprecher - Chor (die Zöglinge): Heinrich · Mezzosopran - Schacht · Alt - Schilinski, Peter · Tenöre - Hans, Fuchs, Tremala · Bässe, Bassbariton - das Mädchen · stumme Rolle
Publisher: Schott Music
Duration: 95' 0''
Year of composition: 1996/1998, rev. 2000
Language: German
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Description
Jakob von Gunten, a boy of unknown origin, arrives at the Benjamenta Institute, a school for servants presided over by the brother and sister Benjamenta. At the same time, the pupils introduce themselves. From the beginning Jakob claims certain privileges. The school days would be very boring, if Mr. Benjamenta himself didn’t offer Jakob his friendly affection. But can he trust him? Lisa, Mr. Benjamenta’s sister, is obviously fond of Jakob, and sings about freedom: freedom to decide – she wants Jakob to respond to her love. Rivalry develops: Benjamenta and Lisa alternately try to win over Jakob. Meanwhile, one by one the other pupils leave the institute. Lisa, thwarted and exhausted, dies and with her ends the whole institution. Benjamenta forces Jakob to decide about his life.
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